Andre Marc of Audio Video Revolution,
www.avrev.com, stopped by the Paradigm and Anthem booth at
CES 2012 and after hearing the Paradigm SHIFT A2 powered speakers first hand, he asked if we could send him a couple for review. So we shipped him a pair of Vermillion Red Gloss A2s with a BD-1 Bluetooth Audio Receiver and ever since, we have been thoroughly enjoying Andre's frequent emails telling us just how much he loves them... Now that the review has been published, we are over the moon with just how much Andre enjoyed the ride. Have a boo will ya...
First Look
"My review samples arrived in a brilliant Vermillion Red Gloss. By the
way, all necessary cables are supplied in the package so you are ready
to roll right out of the box, which is a big time saver and a really
nice plus."
First Listen
"The Paradigms took me aback with their room filling, viscerally exciting
presentation. I literally did a double take. This was real deal, high
fidelity sound that in
no way resembled classic “computer speakers” in any shape or form."
Big Bass
"With a high quality preamp like the Belles and good cables, I found the
A2's performance nothing short of astonishing considering the price and
size. Bass quality and quantity are the best I have heard from a mini
monitor. Period.
"I hope I
am not exaggerating when I say that what I heard bass wise equaled some
floorstanders I have evaluated."
Mids & Highs
"The A2 excelled in other departments as well. The midrange was clean,
clear, and revealing, and the treble range was crystalline and in proper
balance with the rest of the presentation.
"...Their finely textured, neo psychedelic compositions glimmered with texture and there was even remarkable soundstage depth."
Wireless Fidelity
"Paradigm also sent along their optional BD 1 Bluetooth Audio Receiver... I
synced it with my wife’s iPhone and it worked like a charm. From a good
20 feet away, I was able stream music stored on the phone with no
interruption and with pretty impressive fidelity. I think Paradigm was
very smart to cover all bases, almost leaving no stone unturned."
Real World Use
"Last up, naturally, was a computer desktop set up... To tell you the truth, once I got started, I found it hard to shut it
off and start up my main system. That is how pleasing, uncompressed, and
uncompromised the sound was."
"...with onboard 50 watt amplifiers, multiple connection options, and a nice
choice of premium finishes, I believe the Paradigm Shift A2 powered
monitors are exactly what I have come to expect from Paradigm -- smartly
engineered, attractively packaged and, most importantly, great sounding
products."
"Paradigm’s A2 monitors are designed for real world use, eschewing
unnecessary “pro” audio connections, questionable styling, and other
oddities common with that market. A2s are designed to be used in the
home, with a variety of possible sources... Actually, any
source with a 3.5 mm or RCA phono output is compatible. There is plenty
of power available in the onboard amplifiers to provide satisfying, room
filling sound with knock out bass and dynamics, and overall
presentation has been voiced with great craft."
"I easily recommend an audition of the A2. They will blend into any
decor, with a choice of several attractive finishes. There are number of
available accessories, including the BD 1 Bluetooth kit, that allow for
wireless connections to handheld devices."
We think that says it all, no need to comment here. :)
If you want more,
click here! to read Andre's full review.
For more information on the A2 or to buy online,
click here!